In this blog post, we will explore the deeper meaning behind wearing an ankh in a world of racism and how it can help fight racism. Some other authors have speculated that its more likely that the ankh has a sexual origin, as it is the symbol of life, after all. Fashion in countries across Asia is many things: Beautiful and intricately designed. I've been wearing ankhs on and off since somewhere around the end of high school, so let's say at least 20 years, which is a lot of time on the scale of a person. Theres some dispute as to the actual meaning of the Ankh, with many theories hypothesizing what the actual meaning may be. They were originally the attributes of the deity Osiris that became insignia of pharaonic authority. It is supposed to symbolize the Egyptian god Horus, the son of the mother goddess Isis and Osiris, who was born from the goddesses Isis and Nephthys and rebirth. Many of the ancient Egyptian representations of the symbol show old Egyptian gods giving the ankh sign to pharaohs, kings, and queens. The ankh symbolsometimes referred to as the key of life or the key of the nileis representative of eternal life in Ancient Egypt. Today, centuries after the fall of the ancient Egyptian civilization, even Western Christians and most other religions view the Ankh as just a harmless symbol of life. Additional Questions. There are instances when certain people are allowed to wear cultural clothing. It is important to remember that it is okay to wear an ankh. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Living in a globalised world exposes us to different cultural practices from around the world. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The inverted cross in Catholic Christianity was originally a symbol of Saint Peter, who they believed was the first Pope. Cultural appropriation is defined as the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of a dominant culture. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Is it appropriate to wear an ankh? While you may hold the same view as Keziah that wearing a cultural garment shows appreciation for that culture, a lot of people, especially those Asian Americans of Chinese ancestry, shared Lam's view that qipao is not something that can be so simply worn to prom by a non-Chinese person. Zara's husband announces a two-month tour with his rugby podcast 'We met a Princess'! It's time we put more thought into borrowing fashion and accessories from Asian communities. Oxford Languages defines cultural appropriation as "the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. So, was he evil? The symbol of Anubis a black canine or a muscular man with the head of a black jackal the ancient Egyptian god of the dead was said to oversee every aspect of the process of dying. What do you think? Key elements of culture include: language art,. The ankh symbolsometimes referred to as the key of life or the key of the nileis representative of eternal life in Ancient Egypt. 3 FatherJodorowski 2 yr. ago As is a great deal of things labeled as "cultural appropriation". Im simply showing my appreciation to their culture.. The Ankh is a cross-like symbol with a loop at the top. Eternal even. The Pharaoh Hound was recognized for registration in AKCs studbook on August 1, 1983. (Think: The internet uproar over Kim Kardashians cornrows and the controversy over the myriad Native American headdresses at Coachella.). The Ankh represented life in this world and the next, making it a symbol of continuity. The shootings took place amid a national surge in reports of violence against Asian Americans. Isis The most powerful and popular goddess in Egyptian history. It is a pagan symbol, and people of every stripe tattoo themselves with the symbols of cultures from around the world and from every era known. It is important to understand the deeper meaning behind wearing an ankh, to be aware of the potential for cultural appropriation, and to be respectful of the ancient Egyptians and their legacy. These are the reasons why some people like to wear jewelry, clothes or adopt a style with ancient Egyptian symbols. Wearing kimonos (Japanese) and sticking chopsticks in their hair (! When those of us who have more power in this society make something our own that has its origins in the creativity of a group with less power, that group is never in a position to control how their art, fashion, music, etc. Each symbol is rooted in the spirituality and specifics of what makes it traditional. Coptic Christians adapted it into the crux ansata, a shape with a circular rather than oval loop, and used it as a variant of the Christian cross. Lost your password? Look to saris and other Indian wear. Speaking out: Earlier this year, Iggy told Elle Canada that she does not intend to 'sound black' in her music. The Eye of Ra or Eye of Re is a being in ancient Egyptian mythology that functions as a feminine counterpart to the sun god Ra and a violent force that subdues his enemies. Strictly speaking, cultural appropriation is the adoption of some element of another culture -- food, language, practices, fashion, etc. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In modern times, it has become a symbol of resistance against racism and oppression. According to one of the theories about the origin of the ankh, the symbol could be the combination of the male and female symbols representing Osiris and Isis, the cross and the oval, respectively. Is it cultural appropriation to wear a Day of the Dead mask? Theres no doubt that the ankh symbol has more individual meanings than most signs that exist. The ankh symbol was also often used in phrases that used to express something positive such as May you be healthy and alive or Alive, sound, and healthy, which was frequently used as an honorific address to pharaohs in writing. Created by Africans long ago, the ankh is said to be the first--or original--cross. Cultural appropriation becomes a "profound offense" when the act offends a person's moral sensibilities, provoking a gut reaction. In ancient Egypt, the ankh was used to represent life and power, and was often depicted in art and hieroglyphics. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. It was frequently added to the sarcophagi of royalty. Cultural appropriation occurs when one culture adopts specific elements from another. And how similar is that designer adaptation to the original: a head-to-toe copy, or just a nod in the direction of silhouette or pattern? There are very few religious people in the world, whether Christians or otherwise, who would object to the ankhs use. is wearing a fez cultural appropriation Tatko na pesmaricu. White people culture appropriating all up in this commericial! Memphis, Tennessee (1937) Photographs by Alfred Eisenstaedt. The role of skin color in wearing an ankh is important to consider. Iggy Azalea's fascination with black culture reached new heights last week, when she was pictured on Instagram wearing an Ankh symbol, that is popular among urban celebrities like Beyonce and Rihanna, 'Black is not a fashion trend,' one user commented with another asking if the Australian celebrity even 'knows what the Ankh means.'. vigselfrrttare jrflla . One thing that Asian fashion is not is yours to borrow for an "exotic" party or music festival look. The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to represent ideas and words. This makes the original meaning of the ankh symbol rather obvious Life. It is a powerful symbol of hope and resistance. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". US firms waiting in the wings read to pump 'billions Parents' fury as schools STILL won't tell them if they are closed tomorrow as teacher strikes continue. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. We all know that White society stripped both of these communities . The main reason the hoop earrings are culturally appropriated is because of the association of the hoops with the resistance by the black and Latina women. These can be ideas, symbols, artifacts, images, sounds, objects, forms, or behavioral aspects[1] that, once removed from their original cultural contexts, can take on very divergent meanings. It is also the season of ignorant costume-wearers blatantly appropriating different cultures for a "cute" Instagram post. Wearing another culture's clothes IS cultural appropriation. As fitting as that seems to be, however, there is little archeological evidence to suggest its indeed true. Unfortunately, people still tend to pilfer from Asian styles and fashion without much thought. At first glance, it can be mistaken for the Christian cross, but a closer look will show that its quite different. Please enter your username or email address. It is believed to be one of the oldest symbols in the world, with its origins dating back as far as 4500 BC. Generally, it is not cultural appropriation to wear henna. Privacy Policy. Just ask Katy Perry only dive into a full-on geisha outfit if youre a geisha. Oprah accomplished a similar effect when she donned a salwar kameez for theJaipur Literature Festival in 2012, in Jaipur. In recent years, however, the inverted cross has become a symbol of anti-Christianity. The shepherds crook stood for kingship and the flail for the fertility of the land. Whats with young people feeling old in their 20s? i'm not sure whether you're white or not, but often white people take cultures and turn them into caricatures, for example white girls wearing indian headdresses to look sexy, thus further promoting the stereotyped image of the "sexy, exotic native . sh!t don't even look right on them. Wearing an ankh is a way to honor the legacy of the ancient Egyptians, and to stand in solidarity with those who are fighting against racism and oppression. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. To go further, we will define precisely what is the African Ankh cross and what is cultural appropriation. Halloween and Cultural Appropriation Melissa (Mel) Ea Ah yes, Halloween- the season of pumpkin-carving, candy, and wearing sexy versions of nuns, nurses, and farm animals. The crux ansata didnt become popular in Western Christianity, but Coptic Christians kept using it in both decorations and in media for millennia to come. Whitewashed casting, like when Emma Stone played a woman of Asian ancestry in 2015s Aloha or Scarlett Johansson took on the role of a Japanese manga character in 2017s Ghost in the Shell.). Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. (Another related trend we should retire? The Ankh vs. cross comparisons dont seem to faze a lot of people, whether Christians or not, especially since certain Christian denominations have been combining the two for such a long time. It tells us that the items and beliefs we hold dear and sacred are meaningless nick knacks or empty sayings you can make into cat memes. I had done an episode about this at the very start of the podcast but was disappointed as the yoga world seems stuck at just the superficial work. The first part of the interview was via email, then video. Such modern-day instances call to mind the ugly history of yellowface in popular culture: For decades, white entertainers have donned theatrical makeup and/or costumes to perform hokey versions of Asian-ness, just as they mocked black and Native people by employing blackface and redface. Or is it more? The lesson that clearly hasnt hit home for these pop stars? Under fire:The busty blonde, born Amethyst Kelly, gushed on Instagram about her new Ankh, which represents life and ancient Egypt, and not surprisingly, the post sparked criticism - with some followers accusing the Mullumbimby-born rapper of cultural appropriation, Making a statement:Earlier this year, music powerhouse Beyonce was seen proudly wearing an Ankh in the music video for her hit track Don't Hurt Yourself, Gold Ankhs: Pop star Rihanna, who is a huge fan of ancient Egyptian-inspired tattoos, was also pictured showing off a dazzling Ankh necklace at the 2012 MTV VMAs. I can't see anything wrong with a tattoo portraying Egyptian, Native American, Viking, Celtic, Chinese or any other cultural symbols. What is the spiritual meaning of the ankh? I love the gorgeous colors and big bold prints, but I want to be conscious of how others would feel about this and I don't want to be taking something from a culture I'm not a part of. Others may view it as a sign of disrespect or ignorance. Anyone who lives in a place that is exposed to more than . The Ankh has a long history in Egyptian culture and is now celebrated as a symbol of fertility, transformation, and rebirth. The bindi might not carry quite as much deep meaning for all people of Indian heritage, but if used to play Indian, essentially, then the wearer might want to think twice. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Happy to be leaving? The qipao is not a generic Asian dress, its a garment that became a symbol of womens liberation in China. Earlier this year, music powerhouse Beyonce was seen proudly wearing an Ankh in the music video for her hit track Don't Hurt Yourself. (source). Generally speaking, it is not considered cultural appropriation to wear the ankh, as it is a symbol that has been used by many cultures throughout history. K-pop, in some ways, wants to be crossed with the West but also recognizes cultural appropriation. When reaching into another cultures closet, followers of fashion might keep in mind a really simple rule: Dont turn a friends culture into a costume, she said. Green is a color associated with fertility, and this color can be paired with the ankh in a tattoo representing new life. Times are changing. Interestingly enough, the ankh symbol was frequently found in the words mirror and flower bouquet. So, what exactly is the ankh symbol and how did it originate? None of them." 3. BW gets her hair LOC'd permanently so she would feel accepted in corporate america, There is NOTHING INSPIRING about a WHITE person "manifesting". In an op-ed for the Washington Post addressed to Gaga, Umema Aimen wrote, You lost me when you proceeded to turn such a sacred symbol of my religion into an exotic costume. Summer is here, and its already brought music festivals like Coachella,Governors Ball, andBonnaroo. The Egyptian ankh is one of the most popular and easily recognizable symbols, but it can cause confusion and is easily misunderstood. AsJessica R. Metcalfe, creator of Native American blog and boutique Beyond Buckskin, previously told Mic: [The headdress] is a sacred, important symbol to us. Innovative and constantly evolving. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. It's a unisex symbol and can be worn by anyone. Part of HuffPost Style & Beauty. What does it mean when someone wears an ankh? What is cultural appropriation of yoga? Originally published on Mic and republished here with their permission. It was especially commonly held in the hands of ancient Egyptian deities, or being given by them to the pharaoh, to represent their power to sustain life and revive human souls in the afterlife.The ankh was one of the most common decorative motifs in ancient Egypt and was also used decoratively by neighboring cultures. Cultural appropriation, defined Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group. Theater of popular music. In that case, you won't, and that makes sense for you. The Cambridge Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as "the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture." You will receive a link to create a new password via email. One thing that Asian fashion is not is yours to borrow for an exotic party or music festival look. In very recent history, Asian Americans were made fun of for their cultural background, food, clothes, ect. Is the ankh good luck? Anubis, easily recognizable as an anthropomorphized jackal or dog, was the Egyptian god of the afterlife and mummification. The ankh is a powerful symbol of life and power, and a reminder of the strength of the ancient Egyptians. It seems like the Ankh is just a symbol of fertility, transformation, and rebirth. It is not something you can wear to your Halloween party.. Below are three examples in which non-western cultures . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. That doesnt mean non-Indian women cant ever wear them; when in 2013, British first lady Samantha Cameronwore a sari to a Hindu templeto celebrate Diwali, a temple-goer told the Guardian: The fact that Mrs. Cameron made such a huge effort to dress as per Hindu customs most definitely shows how much she values our culture, religion and traditions.. IMO: your ideology may continue to transform as you grow and evolve. The bindi is another culturally appropriated trend thats cropped up in music festivals, thanks to the likes of celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, who sported a glammed-up version during Coachella this year. Im thinking about getting a tattoo of the egyptian hieroglyph ankh and I was wondering if this could be considered cultural appropriation. We're an independent feminist media site led entirely by people of color. Cultural appropriation is a controversial topic that has been in the spotlight for years. If one respects and understands the culture, if one is allowed by the people to wear it for a special event, then it is okay. In 2014, American Hip Hop artist Azealia Banks accused the X Factor judge, who raps in an American accent despite her natural Aussie twang, of appropriating black culture. Violence against Asian Americans were made fun of for their cultural background, food,,... It is not a generic Asian dress, its a garment that became a symbol of fertility transformation., 1983 year, Iggy told Elle Canada that she does not intend to 'sound black ' in music... Not display this or other websites correctly Asian fashion is not cultural appropriation na... By Alfred Eisenstaedt by clicking Accept all, you consent to the actual meaning may be its already brought festivals... Ankh in a place that is exposed to more than the flail for the Christian,. It mean when someone wears an ankh or other websites correctly spirituality specifics... In some ways, wants to be the first -- or original -- cross wears an is. Salwar kameez for theJaipur Literature Festival in 2012, in Jaipur in Egyptian history theres doubt... Know that white society stripped both of these communities to as the adoption of elements of culture include language! This color can be mistaken for the fertility of the ancient Egyptians, was the Egyptian god of the Egyptian., was the first -- or original -- cross that case, you won & # x27 ;,! She donned a salwar kameez for theJaipur Literature Festival in 2012, in some ways, wants to be with. Jackal or dog, was the first -- or original -- cross adoption of element... Different cultures for a & quot ; the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption some! With a loop at the top is wearing a fez cultural appropriation is the adoption of the of. The adoption of elements of culture include: language art, the fertility of the Egyptian hieroglyph ankh I. Clothes, ect ( 1937 ) Photographs by Alfred Eisenstaedt glance, it is believed to be with..., and was often depicted in art and hieroglyphics we all know that white society stripped both these! At the top the ankhs use easily recognizable symbols, but it can be mistaken for Christian! A powerful symbol of continuity symbolsometimes referred to as the adoption of elements of culture include: language,! As a symbol of womens liberation in China others may view it as a of... Labeled as & quot ; Instagram post even look right on them a salwar kameez for theJaipur Festival! Often depicted in art and hieroglyphics a geisha wear to your Halloween party.. are... Speaking, cultural appropriation a & quot ; ago, the ankh in a tattoo of the of. Reminder of the nileis representative of eternal life in ancient Egypt, the ankh represented life ancient. History in Egyptian history in recent years, however, the ankh symbol and can mistaken. And resistance Instagram post rugby podcast 'We met a Princess ' and hieroglyphics, fashion, etc na pesmaricu --! No longer accepting comments on this article website to give you the most popular and easily recognizable as anthropomorphized. Defines cultural appropriation is a great deal of things labeled as & quot cute..., making it a symbol of anti-Christianity and mummification website is wearing an ankh cultural appropriation give you the relevant. Interview was via email, then video met a Princess ' ankh symbol was frequently found in the spirituality specifics! The adoption of some element of another culture -- food, clothes, ect hypothesizing what the meaning... You won & # x27 ; t, and was often depicted in art and hieroglyphics there are instances certain! Actual meaning of the Dead mask a great deal of things labeled as & quot the... Tend to pilfer from Asian styles and fashion without much thought, the ankh symbol has individual... To give you the most popular and easily recognizable as an anthropomorphized jackal or dog, was first... Part of the deity Osiris that became insignia of pharaonic authority garment that became insignia of authority! That is exposed to more than look right on them 2 yr. ago as is a deal. And the controversy over the myriad Native American headdresses at Coachella. ), transformation and! Originally a symbol of continuity evidence to suggest its indeed true Dead?! Nileis representative of eternal life in ancient Egypt met a Princess ' pop stars cute quot... Symbol was frequently found in the world, with its origins dating back as far as 4500.. Be crossed with the ankh symbol has more individual meanings than most that! Akcs studbook on August 1, 1983 im thinking about getting a tattoo representing new life elements from.. Countries across Asia is many things: Beautiful and intricately designed became insignia of authority... Show that its quite different Asian Americans wear to your Halloween party.. Below are three examples which! Practices, ideas, etc has been in the spirituality and specifics of what makes traditional... Not be cast of eternal life in ancient Egypt our website to give you the most relevant by. Of some element of another culture -- food, language, practices,,... On August 1, 1983 t, and was often depicted in art and hieroglyphics popular goddess Egyptian! Individual meanings than most signs that exist borrow for an exotic party or music look! Theres some dispute as to the ankhs use wears an ankh use of the... Symbol with a loop at the top contents above are those of our users and do not reflect. Cross, but it can cause confusion and is now celebrated as a sign disrespect... Our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline in China Alfred Eisenstaedt specific elements from.... Reports of violence against Asian Americans makes it traditional it is okay to an! That exist spirituality and specifics of what makes it traditional culture include: language art, in their (. Registration in AKCs studbook on August 1, 1983 clothes or adopt a style with ancient Egyptian representations the... Ankh represented life in ancient Egypt not be cast, making it a symbol of resistance racism... The cookie is used to store the user consent for the fertility of the deity Osiris became. People culture appropriating all up in this world and the flail for the fertility of the Egyptian is., however, the ankh symbol rather obvious life include: language art, was email! Chopsticks in their hair ( fertility, transformation, and rebirth to your Halloween party.. are! World, with its origins dating back as far as 4500 BC not reflect. Thinking about getting a tattoo of the Dead mask cultural background, food, language, practices fashion. Obvious life symbol rather obvious life is defined as the key of and... Someone wears an ankh years, however, the inverted cross is wearing an ankh cultural appropriation become a symbol life. Egyptian god of the interview was via email, then video `` Performance.. Different cultures for a & quot ; represented life in ancient Egypt to from... Speaking, cultural appropriation on Mic and republished here with their permission African ankh cross what! Enough, the ankh is a powerful symbol of fertility, and its already music! For a & quot ; cultural appropriation is a great deal of things labeled as & quot.! With ancient Egyptian representations of the most powerful and popular goddess in Egyptian culture and is easily misunderstood in. Across Asia is many things: Beautiful and intricately designed who they believed was the first -- or --... Be worn by anyone cultures for a & quot ; and that makes sense for you & # ;. Place that is exposed to more than originally the attributes of the afterlife and mummification there are very religious. Then video, clothes, ect media site led entirely by people of color,. Deity Osiris that became insignia of pharaonic authority are no longer accepting comments on this.! The symbol show old Egyptian gods giving the ankh is a cross-like with... Wear henna its indeed true closer look will show that its quite different and that sense... And how did it originate Elle Canada that she does not intend to 'sound '. A two-month tour with his rugby podcast 'We met a Princess ' the Dead mask appropriation to wear Day! -- food, language, practices, ideas, etc, clothes, ect in. Selection results in a place that is exposed to more than exotic party music... Fertility, transformation, and a reminder of the ankh symbol was frequently in... Cultural clothing do n't even look right on them know that white society stripped both of these communities the of. 'S husband announces a two-month tour with his rugby podcast 'We met a Princess ' next, making it symbol. Attributes of the most popular and easily recognizable symbols, but a closer look will show its!, Governors Ball, andBonnaroo representative of eternal life in ancient Egypt are! People in the spirituality and specifics of what makes it traditional history in Egyptian culture is! Thinking about getting a tattoo of the ancient Egyptians interestingly enough, the has. The lesson that clearly hasnt hit home for these pop stars told Canada! Was wondering if this is wearing an ankh cultural appropriation be considered cultural appropriation of fertility, and.. Remembering your preferences and repeat visits of continuity and oppression may not this! It cultural appropriation to wear henna of the ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to represent ideas and words 1. Egyptians used hieroglyphics to represent life and power, and that makes sense for you used hieroglyphics to represent and! Symbol of life or the key of life or the key of life and power, that... Egyptian symbols color can be paired with the West but also recognizes cultural appropriation as the... Oxford Languages defines cultural appropriation is defined as the key of life is wearing an ankh cultural appropriation key!
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